Epitalon
Also known as Epithalon, Epithalone, AEDG peptide
Last reviewed · Awaiting clinical review
Main safety concerns
The longevity claims rest mostly on animal studies and one research group. Human evidence is thin. It is dosed in short cycles, not continuously.
- SeriousAvoid if: Active or recent cancer, or a strong family history
- SeriousAvoid if: Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- WarningUnknown long term risks, including a theoretical cancer concern
Educational information, not medical advice. If you have symptoms that worry you, contact a clinician or emergency services.
What is known
A pineal tetrapeptide studied for telomere and aging effects, dosed in short yearly cycles.
- Status:
- Not an FDA approved drug and not approved in the EU, UK, Canada, or Australia. Sold online as a research chemical.[3]
- Strongest evidence for any claim:
On this page
What it is and how it works
Epitalon is a tiny four amino acid peptide based on a substance from the pineal gland. In lab studies it switches on telomerase, the enzyme that maintains telomeres (the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes), and it appears to restore the pineal gland's melatonin rhythm. The idea is that supporting telomeres and circadian rhythm could slow some parts of aging. This is interesting in the lab but far from proven in people.[1]
Evidence by claim
Each claim is graded on its own. Tap a grade to see what it does and does not mean.
Turns on telomerase and lengthens telomeres in cells.
Source type: Lab study
Shown in cell cultures and animal work, largely from one research group. Turning on telomerase also raises theoretical cancer questions.
Extends lifespan and lowers tumor rates in animals.
Source type: Lab study
Mice lived about 12 to 13 percent longer in some studies. Not shown in humans.
Improves sleep, circadian rhythm, and aging markers in people.
Source type: Review
Human evidence is limited and mostly from the original research group.
Reported side effects
- WarningUnknown long term risks, including a theoretical cancer concern[1]Turning on telomerase is a theoretical cancer worry, though it has not been documented in the limited human use. Long term human safety has not been studied.
- CautionInjection site reactions(uncommon)[1]
- InfoGenerally minimal reported effects[1]
Interactions and combination risks
- InfoOther longevity or peptide protocols
Often stacked with peptides like NAD+ or MOTS-c in longevity routines. There is little formal data on any combination.
Who should avoid it
- SeriousActive or recent cancer, or a strong family history
Its telomerase and cell growth effects are a theoretical concern where cancer is present.
- SeriousPregnancy or breastfeeding
No safety data in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Dosing
Placed after the evidence and risks on purpose. Nothing here is a recommendation for you.
| Route(s) | subcutaneous |
|---|---|
| Typical range | About 5 to 10 mg per day for 10 to 20 days, repeated only 2 to 3 times a year. |
| Frequency | Daily during a short cycle |
| Cycle guidance | Short, intensive cycles of 10 to 20 days, a few times a year. This is very different from peptides dosed daily for months. |
| Notes | The cycling pattern comes from the original Russian (Khavinson) protocols, the idea being short pulses rather than constant dosing. The blood is short, so it does not build up. |
For the equipment itself, see syringes, needles, and the rest of the kit.
Reconstitution
| Vial sizes | 10 mg, 50 mg |
|---|---|
| Diluent | Bacteriostatic water for multi dose vials, or sterile water for single use |
| Concentration | Example: a 50 mg vial plus 5 mL of water gives 10 mg/mL, so a 10 mg dose is 1 mL, which is 100 units on a U-100 syringe. Use more water for a smaller draw. |
| Notes | Epitalon usually ships as 10 mg to 100 mg freeze dried vials. |
General reconstitution technique
Units and volume arithmetic
Converts between an amount and syringe units for the vial and diluent you enter. It starts empty and does not suggest an amount. Open the full calculator
Result
Fill in steps 1 to 3 to see the arithmetic. Nothing here is a suggested amount.
Settings live in the address bar, so a pasted link reopens this calculator as you left it.
Educational arithmetic only. It does not choose an amount for you and is not medical or dosing advice. Verify every calculation independently.
Storage and stability
Dry powder (lyophilized)
| Temperature | Freeze for long term storage, or 2 to 8 short term |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | Many months when frozen |
| Notes | Keep dry and out of light until you mix it. |
After mixing
| Temperature | 2 to 8 (refrigerated) |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | About 2 to 4 weeks |
| Notes | Do not freeze after mixing. Discard if cloudy or discolored. |
COA and purity notes
| Common adulterants | underdosed or mislabeled vials, material sold without clear content |
|---|---|
| Mislabeling | A recent third party COA helps confirm identity and purity. |
| Notes | Sold as unregulated research material. |
Sources
[1]Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation
PMC (in vitro and preclinical study) 2025 (opens source in a new tab)· Lab study[2]Overview of Epitalon: Highly Bioactive Pineal Tetrapeptide with Promising Properties
Araj SK, Brzezik J, Mądra-Gackowska K, Szeleszczuk Ł (International Journal of Molecular Sciences) 2025 (opens source in a new tab)· Review[3]FDA Briefing Document, Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee, July 23 to 24, 2026: Epitalon Related Bulk Drug Substances
U.S. Food & Drug Administration 2026 (opens source in a new tab)· Regulatory record
Last reviewed 8 July 2026 · editorial status: reviewed